Multi-axis athletic training device

ABSTRACT

A multi-axis athletic training device used to simulate crucial movements in sports to better train and improve the skill set of participating players is provided. This device utilizes at least two devices for rotating to create two independently controlled rotations, each simulating a different motion involved in a movement or swing of a selected sport.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/847,233, filed Aug. 29, 2007, entitled MULTI-AXIS ATHLETIC TRAINING DEVICE, by Robert Hoar et al, which application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Multi-Axis Athletic Training Device,” Application No. 60/842,124, filed on Aug. 30, 2006, both of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-axis athletic training device used to simulate crucial movements in sports to better train and improve the skill sets of participating players. The multi-axis training device exemplified herein is specific to the draw in women's lacrosse. However, the controlled multi-axis motion described can be adapted in accordance with teachings herein for use in replicating movements and/or swings involved in various sports including, but not limited to, baseball, golf, hockey and lacrosse.

BACKGROUND

Women's lacrosse is a team sport played by twelve players. Women's lacrosse teams use netted sticks to carry, throw and shoot a ball along a field in an effort to score goals. Within the sport of women's lacrosse, players are required to perform what is known as the draw. The draw occurs at the beginning of any women's lacrosse game and after each goal. During the draw, two players stand opposite each other, holding their lacrosse sticks approximately waist high with the sticks touching back-to-back. The referee places the ball in between the netting of the stick pockets. At the sound of a whistle, each player pulls her stick upwards and backwards to release the ball into the air. Players then attempt to gain possession of the ball.

For the draw to be performed successfully, a woman must combine at least two very different motions in a fluid and continuous movement. The movement involves moving a lacrosse stick in two planes of motion, each motion involving a rotation about an axis. During the draw, the stick is first rotated about a player's wrist. Then it is rotated about a point midway down the shaft. These two rotations are about two different axis in two different planes and may or may not be perpendicular with respect to one another. Further, the motion of the wrist flick may be or may not be offset a certain distance from the longitudinal axis of the shaft depending upon the player's style. Throughout the draw movement, there is a force applied upon the stick by the other player.

Athletes playing the sport of lacrosse practice and train to perfect their skills by engaging in repetitive drills against other players. Accordingly, players perform the draw against one another during practice to perfect the skill. Nevertheless, there are no training devices which can effectively simulate the draw in order to allow a player to practice the draw by herself. Hence, there is a need to provide a mechanical athletic training device used to simulate the draw in order to allow the athlete to perfect this skill on her own.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate different configurations for an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an arm assembly attached to the first motor for an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a timing circuit used with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a multi-axis athletic training device used to simulate crucial movements in sports to better train and improve the skill set of participating players. The multi-axis training device exemplified herein is specific to the draw in women's lacrosse; however, the controlled multi-axis motion described herein can be adapted in accordance with teachings herein for use in replicating movements and/or swings involved in various sports including, but not limited to, baseball, golf, hockey and lacrosse.

The present invention incorporates multiple independent motion curves of human movements and combines them into a single complex movement recreating a typical human movement in a sport for training purposes. No current sport training device, of which the inventors are aware, recreates such a motion for training purposes at least with respect to lacrosse. Further, since each axis of movement can be controlled and operated independently, specific attributes of a player's movements can be mimicked and attributes of the device can be changed to accommodate individual players' skill sets and motion profiles. The multi-axis training device can be used to replicate movements and/or swings involved in various sports including, but not limited to, baseball, golf, hockey and lacrosse.

Embodiments are described herein in the context of a multi-axis athletic training device. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.

The multi-axis athletic training device includes at least two drive systems which create two independently controlled rotations, each simulating a different motion involved in a movement or swing of a selected sport, an arm or mounting bracket to which the drive system is attached, a device for controlling the rotational speed of the drive systems and a base for supporting the training device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the multi-axis athletic training device. The multi-axis athletic training device, generally numbered 100, includes a first drive system 102, a second drive system 104, a first mounting arm 106, a second mounting arm 108, a mounting base 110, an arm assembly 112 and a lacrosse stick 114. The first mounting arm 106 includes a first end 118 and a second end 120. The first mounting arm 106 is attached to and driven by the first drive system 102 on the first end 118 so as to be rotated about a longitudinal axis central to the first mounting arm 106. The second end 120 of the first mounting arm 106 is attached to a lacrosse stick 114. The first drive system 102 is attached to the arm assembly 112. The first mounting arm 106 can also be rotatably secured to the arm assembly 112. The second mounting arm 108 includes a first end 122 and second end 124. The second mounting arm 108 is attached to and driven by the second drive system 104 on the first end 122 so as to be rotated about a longitudinal axis central to the second mounting arm 108. The second end 124 of the second mounting arm 108 is attached to the arm assembly 112. The second drive system 104 is attached to the base 110 of the multi-axis training device 100. In an embodiment, the second mounting arm 108 can also be rotatably secured to the base 110 to provide additional stability.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate different configurations for an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a first configuration for the multi-axis training device 100 where the lacrosse stick 114 is attached to the first mounting arm 106 so that the lacrosse stick handle 200 is approximately parallel to the ground while the lacrosse stick head 202 is vertically positioned. This configuration represents the beginning position during the draw. FIG. 2B illustrates a second configuration for the multi-axis training device 100 where the first mounting arm 106 and the lacrosse stick 114 have been rotated approximately ninety degrees by the first drive system 102. In this configuration, the lacrosse stick head 202 is now horizontally positioned. This configuration represents the positioning of the lacrosse stick 114 after a wrist flick has occurred during the draw. FIG. 2C illustrates a third configuration for the multi-axis training device 100 where the arm assembly 112 has been rotated approximately ninety degrees by the second drive system 104. In this configuration, the first drive system 102, the first mounting arm 106, the arm assembly 112 and the lacrosse stick 114 are positioned approximately perpendicular to the ground. This configuration represents the final position of the lacrosse stick 114 during the draw. This sequence of rotations serves to simulate the draw in women's lacrosse.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the arm assembly attached to the first drive system. The arm assembly attached to the first drive system, generally numbered 300, includes the first drive system 102, a large diameter mounting arm 302, a small diameter mounting arm 304, guide posts 306, an L-shaped mounting bracket 308, an L-shaped panel 310, a second drive system mounting arm 312, a lacrosse stick attachment member 314, spacers 316 and mounting devices 318. The large diameter mounting arm 302 is attached to the first drive system 102 on one end and the L-shaped mounting bracket 308 on the other end. The L-shaped mounting bracket 308 is also attached to the L-shaped panel, thereby securing the first drive system 102 and the large diameter mounting arm 302 to the L-shaped panel 310. The small diameter mounting arm 304 is rotatably attached to the first drive system 102 on one end (attachment not shown), passes through the large diameter mounting arm 302 and the guide posts 306, and is attached to the lacrosse stick attachment member 314 on the other end. The small diameter mounting arm 304 is secured to the L-shaped panel 310 by the guide posts 306. In this embodiment, spacers 316 are placed below the guide posts 306 to allow the small diameter mounting arm 304 to be parallel to the L-shaped panel 310. The L-shaped panel 310 is also attached to the second drive system mounting arm 312 which can be connected to the second drive system 104 (the second drive system 104 illustrated in FIG. 1). A lacrosse stick with a hollow handle can be attached to the lacrosse stick attachment member 314. Bolts are used as the mounting devices 318 in this embodiment, however, any mounting devices as envisioned by a skilled person having the benefit of this disclosure can be used.

During operation, the first drive system 102 rotates the small diameter mounting arm 304 about a central axis, thereby causing the lacrosse stick attached to the lacrosse stick attachment member 314 to rotate. In one embodiment, the rotation of the small diameter mounting arm 304 is limited to rotating approximately ninety degrees about an axis central to the small diameter mounting arm 304 (as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B). As set forth above, this rotation causes the lacrosse stick head 202 to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position, thereby simulating a wrist flick of a female lacrosse player.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the rotation of the second mounting arm 108 is limited to rotating the arm assembly 112 approximately ninety degrees about a central axis. By rotating the second mounting arm 108 ninety degrees, the first drive system 102, the first mounting arm 106, the arm assembly 112 and the lacrosse stick 114 are all rotated about an axis central to the second mounting arm 108, causing the lacrosse stick 114 to be positioned approximately perpendicular to the ground, thereby simulating a lifting motion of a female lacrosse player to launch a ball in the air (as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C).

In an embodiment, rotation of the first mounting arm 106 and/or the second mounting arm 108 can be accomplished by using any drive system including, but not limited to, motors, springs, servos, chain drives, pulleys, torsion bars, and any combination thereof. Motors may include, but are not limited to, motors of the NEMA platform by MDrive (IMS Motors, Marlborough, Conn.) and Servos (HTE Technologies, St. Louis, Mo.). The rotational speeds of each device for rotating can be independently controlled, thereby simulating different motions involved in the draw.

In an embodiment, instead of and/or in addition to the first mounting arm 106 or the second mounting arm 108 being rotated around a central axis, the device 100 may be configured so that the mounting arms can be extended or retracted along the longitudinal central axis by a driving system. For example, the device 100 could be configured to have the lacrosse stick first pull back toward the device, then rotate as set forth in 2A-2C. Thus, the device can be configured to simulate the more subtle motions that occur during the draw.

The drive system can draw power from different power sources running on the same or different voltage or from the same power source running on the same voltage. In an embodiment, a direct current power source such as a rechargeable battery or batteries with a built-in wall charger (similar to a car battery) is used. In another embodiment, alternating current power sources can be used.

In an embodiment, the second drive system 104 is mounted on a mounting base 110 (as shown in FIG. 1). In an embodiment, the second drive system 104, the second arm bracket 108 and the mounting base 110 are all sized so that the first drive system 102 is at a height of approximately 36 inches away from the ground. In another embodiment, the height of the lacrosse stick 114 is adjustable by incorporating a screw lock mechanism into the first arm bracket 106 or the second arm bracket 108.

The mounting base 110 or the arm brackets 106, 108 can be made of welded steel or aluminum tubing, as well as any other comparable commercially available extruding tubing system. In an embodiment, the mounting base 110 or the arm brackets 106, 108 are made of 80-20 (Action Automation, North Attleboro, Mass.) as this material provides for strong support and reduces machining and welding labor costs and time for production. In an embodiment, the mounting base 110 can have storage compartments within the mounting base 110. In another embodiment, the mounting base 110 can have multiple shelves on which the second drive system 104 can be attached to allow the multi-axis athletic training device 100 to be used at differing heights.

In an embodiment, the mounting base 110 is sized for portability, for example to fit through a door frame so that the device can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Wheels 116 can also be affixed to the bottom of the mounting base 110 for easier movement of the device to various areas where training will take place.

In an embodiment, the device may include a ball hopper for storage of multiple balls to allow the player to continue practicing the draw without stopping each time to retrieve the same ball. An embodiment of the device may further include a device for generating a random whistle blow to simulate a real game since players in a game never know when the official will begin the draw.

A device for controlling the rotational speed of each drive system may include, but is not limited to, a computer or an internal control circuit to maintain accuracy and precision while the device is in operation. The computer may be positioned externally with respect to the device. Alternatively, the computer may be placed internally in the device and may comprise a microprocessor with a limited external user interface or switchboard panel. Selection of the device for controlling the rotational speed will depend upon the drive system selected for use in the present invention. Because of the varied age group and skill level of users, the device for controlling the rotational speed of the drive system is preferably easy to use and provides for varied levels of skill trainability. The device should provide for variable speed levels so that the player can continue to improve her skills. FIG. 4 illustrates a timing circuit that can be used with an embodiment of the device.

In an embodiment, the device 100 may further include an activation switch, which may be in the form of a foot activation switch comprising a foot pedal connected to a one-way switch to activate the device 100. An exemplary foot activation switch for use in the device of the present invention is the single pedal plastic switch (part #7516K21) commercially available through McMaster-Carr Supply Company.

The device 100 may further include various safety mechanisms to warn those near the device 100 of its activation and/or to stop the device 100 in the event of an object being in a path of movement of the device 100. Examples of such mechanisms which can be incorporated into the device 100 include, but are not limited to, a ratcheting safety mechanism, a sensor which senses what is around the sphere of movement of the device 100 and/or a kill switch. For example, in one embodiment, the device 100 may comprise a warning light and/or buzzer to make the user aware that the device 100 has been triggered and that all persons not intending to use the device 100 should move away from the device 100 before it activates. Alternatively, or additionally, the device 100 may be monitored to verify that no object or person is present in the machine's path. This monitor could kill power to the device for rotating in the event an object or person was in the device's path. This monitor could also serve as a safety to the device 100 to prevent overtaxing the device for rotating and causing a breakdown of the device 100. For example, for devices with a motor as the drive system, upon a signal by the current monitor, shear pins could be used in the motor shaft so that the extreme force would shear the pins disengaging the drive shaft from the motor. A simple contact switch could also serve as a safety mechanism for the device 100 to recognize that it has been triggered and that there is in fact a user in place to take a draw against the device 100.

A very similar device can be used to simulate the face off in men's lacrosse. Further, as will be understood by the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure, while the exemplified device was designed specifically to simulate a movement in women's lacrosse, the core motion of the two drive systems creating independently controlled rotations can be routinely adapted to use with an arm or mounting bracket and base designed to accommodate alternative movements and/or to hold alternative pieces of sporting equipment. Changes in design of the device in accordance with the desired movement to be replicated or simulated can be made routinely based upon similar studies of the movement as exemplified herein for women's lacrosse. Thus, adaptations can be routinely made to use the device of the present invention to replicate, for example, a hockey swing or a golf swing. 

1. A multi-axis athletic training device, said device comprising: a mounting base; at least two drive systems; a first mounting arm having two ends, a first end connected to a first drive system and a second end attached to a selected piece of sporting equipment, wherein the first mounting arm is initially positioned substantially parallel to a ground, wherein the first drive system causes the first mounting arm to rotate about a longitudinal axis central to the first mounting arm, wherein the first mounting arm is adapted to rotate approximately ninety degrees; an arm assembly wherein the first drive system is fixedly attached to the arm assembly and the first mounting arm is rotatably secured to the arm assembly; a second mounting arm having two ends, a first end connected to a second drive system and a second end attached to the arm assembly, wherein the second drive system is fixedly attached to the mounting base, wherein the second drive system causes the second mounting arm to rotate about a longitudinal axis central to the second mounting arm, wherein the second mounting arm is adapted to rotate approximately ninety degrees to position the first mounting arm substantially perpendicular to the ground; wherein the multi-axis athletic training device is configured to interact with a user via the selected piece of sporting equipment.
 2. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 where the selected piece of sporting equipment is a lacrosse stick.
 3. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 wherein each of the at least two drive systems are independently controlled.
 4. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1, the drive system including a motor.
 5. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 wherein the rotational speed of the at least two drive systems are each controlled by an external computer.
 6. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 wherein the rotational speed of the at least two drive systems are each controlled by a microprocessor inside the multi-axis athletic training device connected to an external user interface panel.
 7. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 wherein the first mounting arm has a smaller diameter than the second mounting arm, wherein the arm assembly comprises an L-shaped mounting bracket.
 8. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 further comprising a foot activation switch including a foot pedal connected to a one-way switch to activate the device.
 9. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 further comprising a safety mechanism, said safety mechanism comprising at least one of: a ratcheting safety mechanism, a sensor that senses movement around the device, and a kill switch.
 10. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1 further comprising a safety mechanism wherein shear pins are used in one or more of the at least two drive systems, wherein extreme force exerted on the shear pins causes the one or more of the at least two drive systems to stop functioning.
 11. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1, wherein the device is randomly activated, wherein the activation of the device generates a random whistle blow.
 12. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1, wherein an initial height of the first mounting arm is adjustable by the user.
 13. The multi-axis athletic training device of claim 1, wherein a first speed of rotation for the first mounting arm and a second speed of rotation for the second mounting arm are both adjustable by the user.
 14. A multi-axis athletic training device that simulates the draw in women's lacrosse, said device comprising: a first motor and a second motor; a first mounting arm having two ends, a first end connected to the first motor and a second end attached to a lacrosse stick, wherein the first mounting arm is initially positioned substantially parallel to a ground, wherein the motor causes the first mounting arm to rotate about a longitudinal axis central to the first mounting arm, wherein the first mounting arm is adapted to rotate approximately ninety degrees; an arm assembly wherein the first motor is fixedly attached to the arm assembly and the first mounting arm is rotatably secured to the arm assembly; a second mounting arm having two ends, a first end connected to a second motor and a second end attached to the arm assembly, wherein the second motor causes the second mounting arm to rotate about a longitudinal axis central to the second mounting arm, wherein the second mounting arm is adapted to rotate approximately ninety degrees to position the first mounting arm substantially perpendicular to the ground; a mounting base, the second motor fixedly attached to the mounting base; and wherein the multi-axis athletic training device is configured to interact with a user via the selected piece of sporting equipment. 